Dean Smith appointed Walsall manager

Walsall have today appointed Dean Smith as manager until the end of the season.

Smith had been in temporary charge since the Saddlers sacked Chris Hutchings on January 4 and the board have now signalled their intentions.

The Saddlers had 90 applicants but have plumped for Smith with the club bottom of League One, seven points from safety.

They go to Exeter tomorrow and Smith is now aiming to launch a safety bid.

"It is an honour to be given the job on a full-time basis," he said. "I've really enjoyed the last couple of weeks and I am fully-focused on the task at hand. It is a fantastic opportunity for me and it is one in which I'm relishing.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge and I am confident that, together – players, staff and supporters – we can achieve our goals."

Smith took charge after Hutchings and assistant Martin O'Connor were axed following just four wins in 22 games.

He guided Walsall to two draws and a defeat but has been credited with instilling confidence and belief into a struggling team.

A former Saddlers trainee, Smith returned to the club in 2009 as head of youth and will be assisted by Jon Whitney. Centre of excellence manager Graham Biggs will take on Smith's youth role for the immediate future.

Chief executive Stefan Gamble insisted Smith was the best man for the job and pledged cash for the new boss.

He said: "We had a large number of applicants for the role, over 90 in total. There were some excellent candidates but, as a board, we believe that Dean's attributes reflect the modern and innovative approach to football management we are seeking.

"When we considered all of the options available to us, we felt that it was important that we made a positive decision on the manager's position sooner rather than later to give ourselves the best possible chance of turning our season around."